Lanark Loch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lanark Loch |
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 Lanark Loch
Location in South Lanarkshire
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| Location | East side of Lanark, South Lanarkshire |
| Coordinates | 55°40′07″N 3°45′02″W / 55.6687°N 3.7505°W |
| Type | Man-made lake |
| Basin countries | Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Max. length | 1,440 feet (440 m) |
| Max. width | 735 feet (224 m) |
| Islands | 2 |
| Settlements | Lanark |
Lanark Loch is a beautiful, man-made lake located near the town of Lanark in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. It's about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) southeast of the town center. This lovely loch was created in the 1800s by an architect named Hugh Marr. Before it became a big loch, it was a smaller pond used by a local curling club. Today, it covers about 4.9 hectares (12 acres) and even has a small wooded island!
A Look Back: How Lanark Loch Was Made
Long ago, the town of Lanark was growing. The people needed more drinking water than their local wells could provide. So, a good spot was found at Whitelees, where a marsh fed by springs already existed. This marsh had even been made bigger to form a curling pond.
This area was perfect for building a new water source. The loch, sometimes called Marr's Loch, became a very important reservoir. It supplied drinking water to Lanark and nearby areas. However, by 1881, a new main water supply was found at Loch Lyoch on Tinto. After that, Lanark Loch was no longer needed for drinking water. It was then opened up for everyone to enjoy as a public park and recreation area.
Fun Things to Do at Lanark Loch
Lanark Loch is a great place to visit with friends and family. There are many fun activities to try. You can play a round of pitch-and-putt golf. Kids will love the special play area designed just for them.
If you get hungry, the Inn on the Loch is right there. It's a well-known place on the north-east side of the loch. The Inn has a cafe and a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat. It also offers some rooms if you want to stay overnight.
Fishing at Lanark Loch
Lanark Loch is a popular spot for coarse fishing. This means fishing for freshwater fish that are not salmon or trout. The loch is especially known for its mirror carp. These are a type of carp with large, shiny scales.
Sadly, in the mid-1980s, almost all the carp disappeared. This happened when park staff accidentally drained the loch. But don't worry, the Scottish Carp Group helped restock the loch with new carp.
Other types of fish you might find here include tench, roach, perch, and pike. If you want to fish, you need to get a permit first. Also, the loch has a "catch and release" rule. This means you must gently put the fish back into the water after you catch them. This helps keep the fish population healthy for everyone to enjoy.
